What a Prophet teaches me about ADVERSITY
Elder Dallin H. Oaks Adversity will be a constant or occasional companion for each of us throughout our lives. We cannot avoid it. The only question is how we will react to it. Will our adversities be stumbling blocks or stepping-stones? Father Lehi taught his son Jacob that in order to bring to pass righteousness, the Lord’s plan allowed for wickedness. In order for God’s children to appreciate joy, they must also be subject to misery (see 2 Ne. 2:23 ). To accomplish the purposes of God, there must needs be “an opposition in all things” ( 2 Ne. 2:11 ). Our adversities are part of that opposition. Elder Howard W. Hunter explained the principle in a general conference address many years ago: “We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It was part of the plan for our eternal progress. Without temptation, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy” (“God Will Have a Tried People,” Ensign, May 1980, 25...